Jason Hughes, CEO, ArtServe

In an interview with Invest:, Jason Hughes, CEO of ArtServe, discussed the vibrant arts scene in South Florida, the power of collaboration, and the intersection of arts, business, and community development. “The arts make this community special, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow.”

How would you describe the state of the arts and culture industry in South Florida, and how has it evolved in recent years?

The arts and culture scene in South Florida is vibrant, loud, exciting, inclusive, and highly collaborative. Collaboration is a key element of the arts industry here. I’ve lived in major cultural hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and New York City, and I went to school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. But I have never seen a collaborative environment quite like Broward County.

The people here truly want to work together to make the community brighter and more vibrant. In my previous career, I helped launch Classical South Florida, a classical music radio station owned by Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media Group. We started with just four people in Miami-Fort Lauderdale and eventually expanded to Naples, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach, even launching an NPR station in Greater Palm Beach.

Having worked across multiple counties, I know how different the audiences can be, and Broward County stands out. I’ve been fortunate to live and work here, and ArtServe has been part of this community for 36 years. The spirit of collaboration and support among artists, organizations, and businesses in Broward is unlike anything I’ve seen in North America.

What are some examples of collaborative efforts in the local arts scene?

There are two major arts organizations, such as the Arts and Cultural Center in Hollywood, that often share exhibitions, film screenings, and collaborative projects with us. We pursue the same sponsors, donors, and members, and despite being nonprofits, we have a deep respect for one another. This collaborative spirit is evident to newcomers, businesses, families, and individuals alike, who appreciate the rich cultural, educational, and entertainment offerings in Broward County.

What are the biggest trends shaping the intersection of arts, business, and community development?

There’s significant financial opportunity in the nonprofit arts sector. While funding challenges exist, nonprofits and for-profits each have unique strengths, making collaboration essential.

For example, ArtServe partners with Florida Power & Light (FPL), which sponsors our main gallery and exhibitions while supporting town square discussions on social issues like veterans’ rights, mental health, and homelessness. Partnerships with FPL and Seacoast Bank make these initiatives possible.

A key trend is the changing demographics of Broward County. Younger residents — millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha — are moving here, launching businesses, and shaping the cultural landscape. We’re also attracting audiences from Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, making Broward a central hub where arts, business, and community intersect.

What have been some key milestones and achievements for ArtServe over the last year?

Now in its 36th year, ArtServe is the only remaining arts incubator from the six originally established nationwide. Our 28,000-square-foot facility in Holiday Park houses two national museums — the Stonewall National Archives and the World AIDS Museum — alongside our main gallery, artist studios, nonprofit workspaces, and a 180-seat auditorium.

In the past 18 months, we partnered with the DeVos Institute of Nonprofit Management and received a Broward County grant to develop a five-year strategic plan. We also transitioned from audio to video podcasts and launched in-person town square events addressing veterans’ affairs, mental health, and homelessness. These initiatives have strengthened our community impact and artist support.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing nonprofit arts organizations, and how are you strategizing to mitigate potential headwinds?

A major challenge is Florida’s elimination of arts and culture funding in the last state budget, cutting $32 million to $34 million. For ArtServe, that meant a $150,000 loss — an enormous financial hit.

In response, we’ve intensified fundraising efforts, and the community has stepped up with increased donations and corporate sponsorships. This funding crisis affects not just large institutions like the Museum of Discovery and Science but also small ensembles and independent artists.

Our Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in our strategy. Composed of C-suite executives across industries and spanning multiple generations, our board ensures we stay innovative and connected to diverse perspectives.

At ArtServe, we don’t use the word “pivot” because we’re always ahead of the curve. Our programming, partnerships, and donor relationships remain strong. Like any business, the more funding we secure, the more we can achieve. We approach every initiative with a scalable mindset, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

What role do the arts play in addressing issues such as inclusion and economic mobility in South Florida?

Art is universally accessible; it transcends age, race, gender, and socioeconomic background. At ArtServe, inclusivity isn’t an initiative; it’s ingrained in everything we do.

Beyond our programming, we curate art experiences in retirement communities, hospitals, and hotels, providing exposure for artists while integrating arts into everyday spaces.

Unlike organizations that highlight specific heritage months, we embrace diversity year-round. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift all communities, making inclusivity not just a campaign, but a way of life at ArtServe.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for leveraging art as a catalyst for economic and social transformation in South Florida?

A major opportunity is engaging businesses and new residents as soon as they arrive in Broward County. When companies relocate or families move here, we reach out and invite them into our space. ArtServe is a welcoming place where people can connect with the community, meet local artists, and experience the region’s culture.

Arts and tourism are also deeply linked. Visitors seek cultural experiences, whether it’s a gallery, performance, or jazz club. They don’t just stay in hotels and dine out; they engage with the arts and often want to bring a piece of that experience home, whether it’s a small keepsake or a significant artwork.

Florida gains thousands of new residents daily, many unaware of our arts scene. Our role is to make sure they see it as a vital part of their new community.

What are your top priorities and goals for ArtServe over the next few years?

A key priority is expanding ArtServe as a town square, making it a central hub for artistic expression, dialogue, and community-building. Just as city halls serve political needs, we want to be the cultural gathering space where people exchange ideas and connect.

I’d also love to see our physical space grow. There’s so much more we could do with additional resources, but that depends on investment from the county, state, private donors, and corporate sponsors.

On a personal note, I’ve lived in Broward County for nearly 20 years since moving from Toronto. As a proud dual citizen, I can’t imagine living anywhere that doesn’t offer the same vibrancy, opportunity, and artistic energy as Broward. The arts make this community special, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow.